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Dear Club Member,
With further signs of normality appearing across society and at your club its appropriate to get back on the water in a responsible manner. Our annual 12th July “Sail to the Islands”’ is this coming Sunday. The forecast is good and I’d urge you to take this opportunity to get out on the water for what should be, for most of you, your first sail of the season. We aim to set sail about 2.00pm. Club boats will be available on a first come first served basis, so please submit any request to honsec.newtownardssc@gmail.com and do remember to observe current guidelines on social distancing. Michael Cox Commodore  Thursday of this week was glorious, and the conditions were just perfect for the launch of our new club boat. Since receiving it a few months back, and as COVID restrictions have allowed, our members have been busy getting it ready for the water again. So it's great to finally get it moored out in front of the clubhouse, and we think it looks tremendous. Hopefully it won't be too long before we can make use of it as the committee boat for some racing!
Dear Club Member
Use of Club Single Handed Pico & Laser Dinghies We are now able to make the club’s single handed dinghies available in a responsible manner that is consistent with NI Executive restrictions.
Please note safety boat cover will not be available. Accordingly, you must realistically (and honestly) assess your ability to sail in the conditions. It is imperative that you remain well within your comfort zone and do not take unnecessary risks. Should you have any queries or concerns regarding this notice, please email honsec.newtownardssc@gmail.com Michael Cox Commodore Dear Club Member,
I’m delighted to see signs of normality starting to emerge at the club following the NI Executive’s relaxation of restrictions as we move towards a recovery: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-recovery-plan Since the club grounds re-opened on 20th May we have seen sensible socially distanced activities resuming; windsurfing has returned, we’ve had the launch of both keel and motor boats and even some spirited singlehanded GP sailing. Onshore, your committee has made great progress with grounds maintenance, highlights being restoration of the jetty and preparations for extension to the rock armour and re-stoning of the car park. In preparation for a further resumption of activity, the mast of the club yacht (a Sadler 25) has been stepped and within a matter of days she should be sitting on her new mooring, which was laid just before the lockdown. I’m pleased that, as we move towards normality, we can now make club boats and windsurfing equipment available for members’ use, subject to the attached protocols, which must be strictly observed. At this point access to club buildings continues to be restricted to the windsurfing store, the green shed and the male and female toilets, per protocols previously communicated. The clubhouse remains closed until further notice and the showers should not be used. gather only in groups of no more than 6. Please respect others. Your Trustees and Committee continue to monitor the advice from Government, RYA and ISA and will continue to keep you updated. Should you have any queries or concerns regarding this notice, please email honsec.newtownardssc@gmail.com Michael Cox Commodore The NI Executive has relaxed some of the current restrictions as it moves into Step 1 of its recovery plan https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-recovery-plan
With effect from Wednesday 20th May the club grounds will be open for permitted activity including the inspection and maintenance of equipment. Further guidance regarding on the water activity will follow as soon as possible. At this point in time access to club buildings is to be restricted to the windsurfing store, the green shed and the male and female toilet areas on a limited basis. The rest of the clubhouse remains closed until further notice and the showers should not be used. Members should follow strictly the protocols in the attached document and at all times exercise the 2 metre social distancing requirements and gather only in groups of no more than 6. Please respect others. On a personal note I am delighted to see what appears to be the beginning of an end and trust the restrictions continue to be tolerable. Your Trustees and Committee continue to monitor the advice from Government, RYA and ISA and will keep you updated. Should you have any queries or concerns regarding this notice, please email honsec.newtownardssc@gmail.com Michael Cox Commodore CLUB PROTOCOLS IN EFFECT Following the easing of lockdown announced by the executive yesterday, here are our protocols for the partial re-opening of the club
Further guidance regarding on the water activity will follow in due course Newtownards Sailing Club are now proudly flying a NHS flag from our mast, in gratitude to all those putting themselves on the front line at this time. Hopefully it will give a boost to any NHS staff travelling up and down the peninsula.  Last week our new (to us!) Sadler 26 was delivered to the club from Ballycastle. It's going to be a great asset for the club as not only does it give our members the option of sailing something just that bit bigger, but we will also be able to put it good use as a committee boat, and attend the regattas of other clubs on the lough with it. Interestingly the boat belonged to a former club member, the Rev Dr Gordon Gray. We are looking forward to Gordon attending our own regatta on 6th June, and hopefully getting back out on his old boat. The boat was purchased with a contribution from Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Sports Development Capital Fund, so many thanks to them for the support given to the club.   Congratulations to Stuart Wilson for being recognised at the 2020 RYA Awards. Well deserved after a life time of volunteering and dedication to our club!  |
